by Stuart Woods
Part of Stone Barrington, book 44
First published 2018
Former CIA operative Teddy Fay has reinvented himself as Hollywood producer Billy Barnett, but a personal tragedy sends him traveling to Santa Fe with friends Stone Barrington and Ed Eagle. Grief weighs heavily on Teddy as he seeks distance from his loss. In the high desert of New Mexico, opportunity presents itself when Teddy discovers a chance to settle scores with a man who helped conceal the crime that caused his pain. What begins as careful, quiet sabotage soon spirals beyond Teddy's control. His target becomes aware of the manipulation and strikes back, transforming their discreet conflict into something far more dangerous. Stone finds himself caught between loyalty to his friend and the need to protect innocent people from the escalating battle. The confrontation moves from the stark beauty of the Southwest back to the glittering hills of Hollywood, where Stone must use every diplomatic skill he possesses to tip the scales in Teddy's favor while preventing casualties.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, contemporary, thriller, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Santa Fe, Hollywood
Period: Contemporary
311 pages · Hardcover · G.P. Putnam's Sons